The AK-74 is a Soviet assault rifle developed in the early 1970s as a successor to the famous AK-47. Officially put into service in 1974, the AK-74 represents an evolution in the Kalashnikov series, building on the proven reliability of the AK-47 but with a number of improvements and changes, particularly in caliber and ammunition. The development of this rifle was a direct response to the experience of the Soviet Army and the technological advances in weapons manufacturing.

Development history

The AK-74 was developed in response to the introduction of the 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and the M16 rifle by the United States during the Vietnam War. Soviet military leaders recognized the advantages of a smaller caliber rifle in terms of range, penetration and recoil controllability. The new rifle, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the AK-47, was intended to incorporate these features while maintaining the outstanding reliability and ease of maintenance of the original Kalashnikov platform.

Technical features

• Caliber: In contrast to the 7.62×39mm caliber of the AK-47, the AK-74 uses the smaller 5.45×39mm caliber, which offers higher velocity, flatter trajectory and improved range.
• Magazine capacity: By default, the AK-74 comes with a 30-round magazine, although other magazine sizes are also available.
• Weight: The rifle is lighter than its predecessor, partly due to the use of light metal and plastic components. An empty AK-74 weighs about 3.3 kg.
• Length: The overall length is about 940 mm, with a barrel length of 415 mm.
• Rate of fire: The AK-74 has a theoretical rate of fire of about 600 rounds per minute.
• Range: The effective range is given as around 500 meters, significantly more than the AK-47.

Improvements over the AK-47

The most notable improvements of the AK-74 include increased accuracy and reduced recoil force, which improves controllability during automatic fire. In addition, the smaller caliber results in a higher magazine capacity for the same weight of ammunition, giving soldiers greater firepower. Another characteristic feature of the AK-74 is the muzzle flash suppressor, which reduces the muzzle flash and further reduces recoil.

Use and distribution

The AK-74 quickly became the standard infantry weapon of the Soviet armed forces and their allies in the Warsaw Pact. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rifle remained in use in many successor states and other countries around the world. It has served in numerous conflicts and has been praised for its reliability in extreme conditions as well as its effectiveness in combat.

Variants

There are several variants of the AK-74, including the AKS-74 with a folding metal stock for paratroopers, the AK-74M with an improved plastic stock and a universal mounting device for night sights, and the AK-101 and AK-102, which were developed for export to countries that use the 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition.

Conclusion

The AK-74 is a significant development in the Kalashnikov assault rifle family. With its introduction, it significantly improved the effectiveness of Soviet and later Russian infantry units. Its reliability, durability and combat effectiveness have made it one of the most widely used and recognized weapons of its kind. The AK-74 remains a testament to Mikhail Kalashnikov's innovative weaponry and enduring legacy.